ICA launches a financial operations support pilot for entrepreneurs

Introducing FIAT Finance: a five-month, high-impact financial operations support program for ICA entrepreneurs.

82% of small businesses in the US fail because of cash flow issues, and nearly half of all entrepreneurs report financial systems that don't deliver the clarity needed for growth.

Strong financial systems are essential. When entrepreneurs truly have understanding and control over their numbers, their business can grow more sustainably. This year, we’re partnering with Fiat Finance to launch a five-month, high-impact financial operations support program for ICA entrepreneurs. Fiat Finance is a company dedicated to providing expert financial support tailored for fast-growing businesses, from bookkeeping to strategic advisory.

This pilot is designed to give a select group of ICA founders the tools, the structure, and the support to build a strong financial foundation, including:

• Clear, accurate financials- Transforming  fragmented or lagging systems into reliable, decision-ready books.

• Strong cash flow visibility and working capital planning- helping founders gain insight into their actual cash position and plan proactively for growth, inventory, payroll, and investments.

• Strategic financial structures for short-term, medium-term, and long-term success

Together, ICA Founders and advisors will map out what their business needs now  and what it will need as they continue to scale, raise capital, or prepare for growth waves.

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About the program

Over the next five months, each founder in the pilot will:

1. Complete an initial financial assessment
2. Receive monthly bookkeeping services including updated and accurate financial statements
3. Work with ICA advisors and Fiat Finance to interpret financial data and plan confidently
4. End with a full set of pre- and post-pilot financial benchmarks to track impact

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Why We Chose Fiat Finance

Fiat Finance works directly within founder-owned data systems, meaning founders keep full ownership and control of their financial data at all times. Their services range from streamlined bookkeeping and month-end closes to financial modeling and CFO-level advisory support, allowing each business to receive support tailored to its scale and phase.

With Fiat Finance, founders do not have to adopt another rigid platform. They are able to strengthen the systems they already use and gain clarity without losing control.

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Who’s in the Pilot

• A cohort of ICA portfolio founders - five businesses across sectors: retail, consumer products, and construction enterprises. Each is mission-aligned, growth-oriented, and deeply rooted in their community.
• A dedicated ICA advising team - Industry experts who will meet with founders monthly to interpret financials, support planning, and align financial health with strategic growth.
  
• Fiat Finance’s expert team -  handling bookkeeping, cash flow modeling, and financial operations so founders can focus on building their business.

Together, of ecosystem of founder + advisor + financial ops is designed to give each business a real shot at sustainable growth, clarity, and long-term stability.

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Why This Pilot Matters

Financial systems are often the invisible backbone of long-term success. With strong foundations, businesses are more likely to:

1. Successfully raise capital
2. Expand without cash crunches and achieve pathway to profitability 
3. Invest confidently in inventory, hiring, and growth
4. Build real equity that can fuel community wealth
   

This pilot is ICA’s commitment to helping mission-aligned businesses transform their financial reality from stress to structure, from guesswork to forecasting.

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30 Years of ICA Fund

This year, ICA Fund celebrates 30 years of backing great businesses and proving what’s possible when we support underrepresented entrepreneurs. To mark this occasion we will be lifting up the ICA Fund community that got us this far and charting the bold work ahead. Stay tuned for new founder stories, case studies on the innovations our portfolio companies are creating, and deep dives on how our model works. Join us in stewarding the next 30 years of ICA Fund — together we’re building the future of investing.

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